MODULE 2: Motivation

Lifelong learning has become a prerequisite in this fast-changing world where acquiring skills is required. Learning provides a variety of choices which make learning opportunities more accessible for all the people, regardless of their age. Learning at an older age brings more opportunities for personal development, enhanced sociability and individual autonomy. Engagement in learning has positive effects on cognition and psychological well-being. The ability to learn and discover make people find a meaning and purpose in life. It is crucial for a person to keep the brain active as he is getting older. Learning is a way to keep the mind and body active and can keep older people happy and healthy. Lifelong education enables older people to gain self-esteem, show their creativity, and share their skills and experience. It offers them many benefits for their well-being and enhance their mental wellness. When someone learns a new skill, he feels stronger and more confident. In older age, an often-new skill is the use of technologies.

The internet has already become an integral part of life and an irreplaceable mean of communication. However, not all are able to take full advantage of Internet technologies. Seniors are often unable to participate in the social networks, e-mail, and other attributes of the on-line world. Technology can enable seniors to renew or develop social contacts and actively engage in their communities. It can help prevent older people from becoming socially isolated and lonely because of life changes including retirement, bereavement, a deterioration in health. It can also help those who are socially isolated escape their situation. The technology available offers quick and relatively cheap contact with colleagues, friends and relatives across the globe.

Many seniors believe that they do not understand technology, are not equipped to deal with it, and do not really need it, as technology is for the young people and not for them. Many seniors tend not to be attracted to technology, have a fear of digital things and are therefore missing the social interaction it can deliver. However, they are fully capable of learning to use technology when they receive adequate training and support. Ageing and technology are relevant with the improvement of the quality of life. Technology can increase autonomy and reduce isolation.

Motivation is an important factor which encourages a person to give his best performance and potentials. Motivation is the force that pushes you to reach your goals through your actions. No matter what you want to achieve in your life, it all starts with the motivation. Motivation is needed to take action and create remarkable success. It is an internal procedure that directs and maintain goal-oriented behaviors. Motivation is influenced by the satisfaction of needs that are necessary either for life or for well-being and growth.

There are two basic types of motivation, extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation is when a person is inspired by outside forces, such us other people. Intrinsic motivation is when the inspiration comes from within, when a person has the desire to achieve his goals. Intrinsic motivation is more powerful and the achievements are more fulfilling.

Another type of motivation are motivation by positive incentives and motivation by negative incentives. The motivation by positive incentives is a result of positive incentives (rewards) that give a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. The motivation by negative incentives is a result of negative incentives (punishments) and give a feeling of pain, displeasure or dissatisfaction. Positive motivation is very important in senior education, while negative motivation such us negative evaluation is better not to occur.

• Increases your effort
• Maximize productivity
• Makes you see the possibilities
• Can inspire other people
• Makes your habits
• Makes the process funny
• Makes your dreams come true

Motivation is always necessary in learning process. In old age, motivation and access to learning are often connected with motives from a previous life. Understanding what might motivate a senior to learn is important. The belief that technology is a good thing does not necessarily exist amongst older people. They need to have its value demonstrated in concrete terms, with direct application to their lives. By determining and understanding the motivation factors of seniors towards technology, you can convince them to see the benefits that technology provides and make them adopt technological solutions. Triggering and maintaining learning motivation of older adults are the key factors to make them participate in learning activities.

Graphic 1. Components of motivation

By the end of Module 2, participants to the online training will be able to:

• Understand why the motivation is important for seniors
• Learn what are the basic motivations for a senior
• Know what a trainer should have in mind when he is teaching a senior
• Know ways how to motivate a senior
• Know how to make seniors willing to learn
• Learn the basic tech skills for seniors
• Know the appropriate teaching methods for seniors
• Understand the terms “curiosity” and “interest”
• Learn how trainers can keep the learners’ interest during the learning process
• Learn the benefits of technology for seniors
• Know the aspects that technology contributes on the daily lives of seniors

The approximate time to go through the Module is 3 hours.

In order to have better results, it would be for the participants’ benefit to fulfil the following requirements:

• Experience in working with adults;
• Basic experience in working with seniors.

Those requirements are not obligatory.